Oral care helps with cardiovascular pathologies

The president of General Council of Dentists and of the Spanish Dental Foundation (FDE), Oscar Castro Reinohas highlighted that oral care in cardiovascular patients helps control the pathology and prevents major complications.

Dentists have recalled that scientific evidence shows the relationship between active untreated periodontal disease and the risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease (CVD).

As detailed, the association has been demonstrated for hypertension, atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease and hyperlipidemia. Besides, numerous studies confirm that the risk of atherosclerotic disease and coronary heart disease increases up to three times in the presence of periodontitis.

“Maintaining a healthy mouth in patients with cardiovascular disease, in addition to being a priority, is feasible by adopting appropriate healthy habits.”having correct information and carrying out periodic dental check-ups,” stated Dr. Castro.

Recommendations

In this context, the General Council of Dentists and the FDE have issued a series of recommendations for patients with cardiovascular diseases, with the aim of teaching them how to care for the oral cavity.

Experts have advised brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, in the morning and at night, either with a manual or electric toothbrush. The appropriate duration is two minutes and includes the gums and tongue, in addition to the use of dental floss or interdental brushes to clean the areas between the teeth, something that should be done at night.

After brushing your teeth, they have suggested rinse the brush well with waterdry it and leave it in a dry place. Brushes should be changed every three monthsor sooner if the bristles are deformed, as well as if you have suffered from the flu or any other infectious disease.

If you wear a removable prosthesis, they have indicated that these must be removed after each meal and clean them carefully to avoid infections. Bacterial-fighting rinses, gels, and sprays should only be used if prescribed.

Likewise, specialists have recommended to cardiovascular patients visit the dentist regularlyeat a healthy and balanced diet, controlling sugar intake and avoiding alcohol and tobacco.